Modular Homes - the Future!

So I went up to the Museum of Modern Art this past weekend to check out their brilliant exhibit “Home Delivery, Fabricating the Modern Dwelling.” For all of you who haven’t seen it - get on up to 54th Street in Manhattan, it closes on October 20th.

This exhibition is basically a short (but very thorough) investigation of the history of prefabricated architecture - and then is culminated in the commissioning of 5 contemporary prefabricated houses on the lot next to the museum. The houses are pretty amazing, and you can go into or poke your head into all of them. I enjoy functionality you can walk around in - seeing this exhibition was like a giant open house for the future possibilites of the modular home. It is amazing to think how the idea of prefabrication can not only be viewed in several different ways, but also executed with using a variety of processes and a incredibly differing materials. It was hard to pick a favorite - I think the Cellophane House was my favorite, with it’s modernism and entire exterior wall of solar paneling, but I also found Burst intriguing. Who doesn’t want bleachers attached to their house? I admit a bit of clausterphobia with the Micro Compact Home, this makes dorm living seem luxurious… and System 3 - talk about lux mobile home. Sign me up!

Check out the photos I took and check out the great interactive website at the Moma:

Editor's Note: Looks like this might be your first time visiting our site? If so, welcome. And please enjoy! ....

Spectacular new listing near Fitler Square redefines luxury

Luxury shoppers often find themselves underwhelmed when they hit the streets. And indeed, the market for fine town homes in the broader Rittenhouse neighborhood is tighter than ever. With so few solid options for a significant modern home, buyers can easily become discouraged. Those looking for something exceptional, however, need look no further than the Boutique Collection’s latest listing.

Featuring approximately 3000 sq of the finest in luxury living, this 4Br modern masterpiece offers an incomparable value in today’s market place: Check out the Boutique Collection for more details!

Luxury for Less! Fitler Square Lifestyle 2BR for $309k!

For those looking for an affordable oasis in one of the city’s most popular neighborhood, look no further than this CitySpace located at 2213 South St.

This 2BR bi-level residence features the latest in design and green technology, is two blocks off popular Fitler Square, is well served with a grocery store, cafes, great restaurants and night spots literally steps away. Within about five minutes, you’re either on Rittenhouse or the ever-more popular Schuykill River Park.

The space itself features beautiful walnut flooring throughout, gorgeous Philippe-Starck outfitted baths, luxury chefs kitchen outfitted with Electrolux Icon, and many innovative green touches such as on-demand hotwater, green roof, and a condensing dryer.

For more information:
CLICK HERE!

Trump Tower, New Construction Review

It’s finally coming to Philadelphia! Located on the Delaware River, Trump’s 45 story luxury tower will boast amenities such as an indoor and outdoor pool, fitness center, running track tennis courts, and a five star restaurant. Each unit will include parking, and chauffeured car service for the residents.

The Philly sales center is on the 57^th floor in the Liberty One building. I was able to see a sample kitchen and bathroom, as well as all 63 floor plans. The spaces will be sleek and modern, but have a warm feel to them. The kitchen has features like Miele appliances, Fisher& Paykel drawer-style dishwashers, and Sub-Zero refrigeration. Baths will be in marble with double sinks, soaking tubs and separate showers. I found the finishes to be modern without being cold. The floor plans all make best use of space, light and views.

Prices start at $700K for an 1,100 square foot one bedroom, topping out at $2.95 million for a 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath, 2,400 square foot penthouse.

Don’t miss out on the details — Receive my reviews of Philadelphia New Construction by using the email subscription form at the top of this page.

-Sal Gardner

(Get To Know Sal A Little Better @ TheRealEstateItch.Com)

New Standards of Luxury

The word ‘luxury’ gets thrown about a great deal in real estate—so much so that the word has almost become devoid of meaning. But it’s a word one shouldn’t forget or count out. [Read more]

Society Hill Luxury Market Report

Philadelphia’s emergence as a destination for luxury real estate is much discussed these days. And while national headlines focus on the troubles in suburban sprawl markets, Philadelphia’s finest urban markets have been picking up speed. Spotlighting the 19106 zip code encompassing Society Hill and Old City, the past six months have seen astounding activity in the $1million+ segment. Nineteen homes, or approximately three per month, sold in that price segment between 8/28/2007 and 2/28/2008.

Notable transactions include a finely preserved home once home to James Madison at 429 Spruce for $1,925,000. 108 Arch, a premium three-year old modern building say the sale of a stunning river-view penthouse with a 1550 sq ft terrace for $2,400,000 and a large tenth-floor unit for $1,680,000. Boutique condo sales were a strong trend generally. The stunning tenth floor of 101 Walnut, complete with white terrazzo floors throughout, sold for $2,475,000. The less exotic seventh floor sold for $1,905,000.

The Ayer, located in landmark George Howe structure overlooking Washington Square, saw three premium sales at record prices. A city-view 2164 sq ft eleventh-floor unit sold for $2,300,000 or a stunning $1063/sq ft for a non-penthouse unit east of broad. A park-view 1,724 sq ft twelfth-floor unit sold for $1,950,000 $1,131/sq ft and four floors down a similar 1,685 sq ft unit sold for $1,720,000 or $1021/sq ft.

Rounding up condo sales, a more basic 3,000 sq ft penthouse loft at 214 St new street sold for $1,350,000 or $450/ft and a 2,597 sq ft second-floor three bedroom at the Moravian (143 s 2nd st) sold for $1,050,000 or a relatively bargain-priced $404/sq ft for a large newer unit in a premium location.

In town homes, two IM Pei homes at Bingham Court sold for $1,100,000 and 1,200,000. A nearby contemporary at 315 S Philip St sold for $1,140,000. Two less remarkable historic homes on lovely blocks at 224 Delancey and 415 Pine sold for $1,100,000 and $1,250,000. 500 Spruce represented the best bargain purchase, offering 5,000 sq ft and parking for $1,200,000. At $240/sq ft, that price is on par with shell values.

On the high end, the 200-block of 4th St presented the highest-dollar sale. 259 S 4th St, a lovingly restored 4,480 sq ft historic home with modern conveniences, sold for $2,575,000. A large new-construction unit at Liberty Court at 212 Gaskill St sold at $1,880,000.

For regular updates on Philadelphia’s luxury real estate market, check for regular updates at the Boutique Collection web magazine: www.philadelphiarealestatehub.com/boutique

*all data sourced from TrendMLS

101 Walnut, Philadelphia Luxury Living At Its Finest

101

Presenting “101,” 10 Floors of Awesome Luxury Living in a very convenient, exciting, Old City Location.  Owners will enjoy breathtaking views (breathtaking view)

of the Philadlephia Region, and the lucky owner of the penthouse will party in high-style at this private pool. 

 (click to enlarge pool)

For more Info Visit Our Updated Project Page   HERE